High Voltage Switchgear Internal Arc Fault

IEC 62271-200 Clause 8.104 states that if the switchgear is installed, operated and maintained according to the instructions of the manufacturer, there should be less probability that internal arc occurs. Failure within the switchgear due to a defect or an exceptional service condition or maloperation may cause an internal arc, which is a hazard if persons are present.

Faults are more likely to occur inside a switchgear enclosure than in other locations. IEC 62271-200 Table 102 provides a list of locations where faults are most likely to occur, the causes of failure and possible measures to decrease the possibility of internal arc faults, most of which are applicable to installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance.